Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes that the Yankees "have moved from gloomy early in the offseason to more upbeat that Hiroki Kuroda will return for another year." Kuroda is again pondering whether to return to Japan, but it sounds like the odds that he'll be back with the Yankees are increasing. The right-hander will turn 39 in February and ended the 2013 season with a whimper, so a precipitous drop in his effectiveness is possible. However, Kuroda pitched very well overall for the Bombers for a second straight year, so gambling on him on another one-year deal is probably worth it.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Dodgers' preference is to sign a starter to a one- or two-year deal, but Hiroki Kuroda is not under consideration. They'd forfeit their first-round pick if they signed Kuroda, which is something they're not willing to do. The veteran right-hander hasn't made up his mind about what his plans are for next season, but he seems likely to either re-sign with the Yankees or return to Japan.

Hiroki Kuroda has turned down the Yankees' qualifying offer. Kuroda made $15 million in 2013, so it was an expected decision after he posted a quality 3.31 ERA in 32 starts. The veteran right-hander hasn't made up his mind on his future and a return to Japan is a possibility.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman indicated Saturday that he's still unsure of Hiroki Kuroda's plans for the 2014 season. Cashman also noted that he hasn't spoken to Kuroda regarding a new contract, outside of their qualifying offer. The 38-year-old right-hander has yet to declare his intentions for the season, but it seems a decent bet that he'll return to the Yankees if he indeed does decide to stay stateside as opposed to returning to Japan.

The Yankees tendered Hiroki Kuroda a qualifying offer. It's for one year and $14.1 million. Kuroda can accept the offer or decline it and be tied to draft pick compensation this winter in free agency. The 38-year-old right-hander posted a superb 3.31 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 150/43 K/BB ratio in 201 1/3 innings (32 starts) this season.

Hiroki Kuroda allowed five runs in 5 2/3 innings in a loss to the Rays on Tuesday. Kuroda's late-season slide continues, as he has now lost six straight decisions to fall to 11-13 on the year. On Tuesday the right-hander was tagged for three first-inning runs, including a leadoff home run by Matt Joyce. He'll have a chance to end the season on a high note Sunday when the Yankees visit the Astros.

Hiroki Kuroda gave up five runs in six-plus innings Friday in a loss to the Red Sox. It didn't look like Kuroda was long for this one after giving up four runs in the first inning, but he settled down and managed to keep the Yankees in the ballgame. However, he was pulled after giving up a leadoff single to Shane Victorino in the seventh inning and Preston Claiborne eventually gave up a go-ahead grand slam to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Kuroda struck out two and walked two in the loss and owns a 6.69 ERA over his last six starts. He'll look to turn things around next week against the Blue Jays.

Hiroki Kuroda allowed two runs on five hits over six innings on Sunday afternoon against the Red Sox. The Japanese right-hander struck out six and walked two. We didn't see vintage Kuroda today, but this was an encouraging start as a suture of sorts; Kuroda had seen his ERA spike from 2.41 to 2.99 over his last three starts. He went 0-2 in those outings and was blasted for 16 runs in 17 1/3 innings.

Hiroki Kuroda allowed four runs in 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the White Sox on Tuesday. Kuroda was slightly better than he'd been in his previous two starts, as he struck out seven while allowing seven hits and two walks. He's seen his ERA climb from 2.41 to 2.99 over the three subpar starts. He'll look to stop the bleeding against the rival Red Sox on Sunday.

Hiroki Kuroda allowed seven runs -- five earned -- over five innings in a loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday. One start after being victimized for four home runs, Kuroda allowed five earned runs on nine hits and a walk. It's hard to ignore the recent trend, as Kuroda has a 8.10 ERA and 1.86 WHIP over his last three starts. He's lost all three, falling to 11-10 in the process. He'll try to end the slide Tuesday against the White Sox.